Coming from a diversity of backgrounds the Board of Directors and Management of Jacaranda Housing are committed to providing safe, secure and affordable housing for Queenslanders.
Our Board of Directors
As leaders in their industry, our Board members support Jacaranda Housing through their expert knowledge in the fields of housing access, affordability, business, community and inclusion.
Jacaranda is beginning an exciting period of growth, aimed at a robust financial future through implementing the Board approved Better Homes for the Future Strategy in line with the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy ‘Partnering for Growth with the community housing sector.’
Adrian has committed his entire working life to helping others.
He is the Executive Director of National Shelter, Australia’s key NGO advocating ways to improve housing affordability and end homelessness with a 40-year history in the community sector, including housing, homelessness, welfare, and youth peak bodies in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, Queensland and nationally.
As a member of the Affordable Housing Summit Group, Adrian was instrumental to developing the National Affordable Housing Agreement and NRAS.
Throughout his career he has been a trusted advisor to all levels of government on housing, homelessness and youth affairs serving as the Deputy Chair of Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Accomodation Association.
He has also worked for Shelter NSW and the Australian Youth Policy and Action Association.
Adrian has a Graduate Certificate in Community Management (UTS) and is Chair of Jacaranda Housing’s Constitutional Change Committee.
Emile is a Special Counsel at McCullough Robertson, where he has practiced in property and finance law for the past 10 years and holds degrees in Law and Science.
He has a particular interest and specialisation in community and affordable housing, as well as specialist disability accommodation, and has advised a number of community housing providers and peak bodies across Queensland, New South Wales and Northern Territory across a range of transactions and issues, including acquisitions and developments, registration requirements, tenancy issues and funding arrangements. Having experience across both property and finance, as well as an understanding of the commercial drivers for parties involved, he is able to navigate and advise on complex issues.
Emile is also a member of a number of industry committees, including the Urban Developer Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland Housing Supply and Affordability Committee, the Queensland Law Society Access to Justice and Pro Bono Law Committee and PEXA Queensland Member Advisory Council.
Emile is a member of the Audit and Risk and Governance Committee.
Mark is the General Manager of Business Development at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Queensland, focusing on supporting community housing organisations with NRSCH compliance and registration. He has 11 years of experience at Queensland’s Department of Housing, including as the State Registrar of the National Regulatory System for Community Housing. His career spans senior government roles across various Australian states, specialising in social sectors.
With a long-standing history as a tenant of Jacaranda Housing and former chairperson of the New Farm Housing Cooperative, Shane brings invaluable experience and a tenant’s perspective to the board. Passionate about tackling homelessness and advocating for affordable housing, Shane aims to contribute positively to Jacaranda Housing’s success. Committed to fairness, equity, and natural justice, he seek to serve as Director to give back to the community and support sustainable housing solutions.
Sheilagh has a post-doctoral qualification in Public Health and have worked in the Disability sector and successfully advocated for the ‘rights’ of many people.
Sheilagh has a strong commitment to social justice issues in tandem with a belief in social inclusion for all members, which naturally includes access to good Community Housing options for tenants.
Sheilagh is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Raised in the Inner Western Suburbs Housing Collective, which later merged with Jacaranda, Wendy has a deep-rooted passion for housing advocacy, influnced by her mother’s dedication to community stability. With over a decade of experience in retail and undertaking education in community services, Wendy is committed to representing tenants’ interests. Her focus is on fostering resilience, integrity, and collaboration to ensure safe and secure housing for all.
Management
Since joining Jacaranda Housing in 2017, Lizz has been instrumental in driving cultural change and stability within the organisation.
A trusted leader, Lizz spent many years working in remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory where she was widely respected for her work in developing strong connections with Traditional Owners, ensuring their cultural protocols and needs were always considered. She also worked tirelessly to improve housing options in remote communities. Since 2021, a board member with the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA)- QLD and a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Outside of work, Lizz is passionate about staying active to ensure strong mental health.
Bringing extensive experience in finance including eight years in the not-for-profit sector Lynette Joined the team in 2016 as Finance Manager, Lynette has focused on ensuring Jacaranda Housing maintains financial security, playing an instrumental financial role in attaining endorsement from Government to execute Jacaranda’s Better Homes for the Future Strategy under the Partnering for Growth initiative.
Lynette has developed an extensive knowledge of all areas of Jacaranda’s operations and in March 2024 she moved into the role of Operations Manager where she will continue to oversee finance but broaden her focus to also oversee housing operations. Lynette strives to ensure Jacaranda continues to meet its tenants’ needs and continues to grow to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing for Queensland families in need.
Lynette took on the additional role of Company Secretary in September 2022 and has completed a Certificate in Governance Practice with the Governance Institute of Australia, and a Diploma in Governance with the Institute of Community Directors Australia. Lynette is passionate about continuing the high standard of governance Jacaranda practices.
Lynette is a member of the Governance Institute of Australia, the Institute of Community Directors Australia, and the Australasian Housing Institute.
In 2023 Lynette was elected to the Board of Inspire Youth and Family Services and currently serves as Treasurer.